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The Hindu
27-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Members of banned Jamaat-e-Islami launch new political party in J&K
Several prominent members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) on Sunday (April 27, 2025) floated a new political party, Justice and Development Front (JDF), Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and pledged to participate in all upcoming elections in J&K. 'The party's founding principles are justice, development and public welfare. We intend to take an active role in addressing people's issues. The party will fill the gap between governance and the grassroots, focusing on issues such as education, healthcare, youth employment, and community empowerment,' Sayar Reshi, a former member of the banned JeI, said. Mr. Reshi, who will function as the party's general secretary, contested the 2024 Assembly elections from Kulgam constituency. The JDF, launched at an office in Nowgam, announced Shameem Ahmad Thokar as the party president. Abdul Rehman Shalla, who fought the 2024 assembly elections from Baramulla, has been appointed vice-chairman of the party. 'People supported us (during the elections). We decided to go back to the grassroots level and grow stronger. We will participate in all upcoming elections. People had a sense that their real representatives are not on the ground. We joined the political arena to fill the void,' Mr. Reshi said. Condemning the Pahalgam attack, Mr. Thokar said, 'No words are enough to condemn the dastardly attack. However, I appeal to the Government of India and the Lieutenant Governor to stop the process of blasting and destruction of houses. It has frightened the families living there.' Social justice, fundamental rights The JDF leaders highlighted that the newly-floated party will work towards a future that ensures social justice, economic progress, and protection of fundamental rights for all citizens. 'The JDF is the launch of a new hope for the people of J&K,' they said. Former JeI general secretary Ghulam Qadir Lone was also present at the launch function. Senior JeI leader Ghulam Qadir Wani from Pulwama's Gussu was the first prominent leader to head a JeI panel advocating the decision to contest elections in J&K. Members of the banned JeI contested the 2024 assembly elections from multiple seats in north, south and central Kashmir. However, they failed to win any seat. The decision of a faction of the JeI has split the socio-religious group into two factions. The Union Home Ministry banned the Jamaat-e-Islami in 2019 for being an 'illegal association' under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for a period of five years. In February 2024, the ban was extended till 2029.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Time of India
Terror not strong enough to cut Kol bonds, say Kashmiri shawl sellers
1 2 3 4 Kolkata: The shawl-walas from Kashmir, who arrive in Kolkata at the onset of every winter, are now worried about the situation in Kashmir. While they do not anticipate any worsening of Bengal's relationship with the Kashmiris, they are afraid of a prolonged lull in tourism once again. Imtiyaz Reshi, a shawl-wala from Srinagar, came to Kolkata for the first time nearly two decades ago. He used to visit Salt Lake neighbourhoods with stacks of shawls on his cycle. Over the years, his client base in the city increased, and Reshi was happy with his income. He rented a shop in Salt Lake and started keeping garments and handicrafts from Kashmir there. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata The attack on the tourists has devastated him. Reshi, now in Srinagar, does not know when the situation will be normal again. "We are not worried about any change in the attitude of the people of Kolkata towards the Kashmiris. They have always loved us, and we have built a bond of trust with them. But we are extremely disturbed by the attacks on the tourists. They were our guests," said Reshi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo "In Srinagar, the private cab drivers have started providing free services to the tourists. Tourism is our bread and butter, and the locals are trying to do whatever they can to restore the confidence of the people," said Reshi. Fayaz Baya has also been selling shawls in Kolkata for a long time. Over the years, he developed bonds with his clients, who treat him more as a family member. Baya, on Thursday, was deeply concerned about the security of the tourists. However, he hoped that the situation would normalise in the next few weeks. "I will reach Kolkata by Oct this year and start preparing for the winter sales. But as a host in Kashmir, we feel sad and disheartened. I stay in Srinagar, which is far from where the incident happened, but I have seen some tourists leaving Kashmir. This is not good for us as we largely depend on tourists. A lot of youths have pinned their hopes on tourism as the situation started to improve in Kashmir," he added. Ghulam Jeelani Wani, another shawl seller from Srinagar, also felt that the gruesome incident would not hamper their relationship with the people of Kolkata. "This will not affect our relations. But we will suffer if the tourist inflow goes down. Many of us have invested, hoping for a good tourist turnout this year. It will now take time for tourists to come back to Kashmir again," Wani said.
